Divot Lies

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By AJAR

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  • 3 Replies
  1. AJAR

    AJAR
    Portland, OR

    I found my ball in 2 unfortunate lies during last weekend's tournament: an unraked bunker divot and a fairway divot.

    I realized when I arrived at the ball that I have never practiced these shots before but my instinct was to set up for a steep angle of attack for the fairway divot and to make sure i stay low on the bunker shot.

    My contact was thin for both shots. Can anyone share any tips on how to play these 2 shots?

    Thanks in advance.

  2. Fred Closs

    Fred Closs
    Denton, TX

    It sounds like you got it right - in divots, a steeper attack is called for and it can deloft the shot, or cause a thin strike. My advice would be to practice a few on the range and find what you can do in them. I personally like to cut the ball out of divots to get a higher launch. I hope that helps.

  3. Jacob B

    Jacob B
    Commerce, MI

    Hey AJAR, 

    I have found myself in both of those lies before and I will agree they are pretty scary shots. 

    On the fairway divot, the steep angle of attack is good, but you also have to make sure that you trap the ball and take a big divot on top of the one its already in. That will get the ball up with a good amount of spin, and reduce the possibility of poor contact. 

    An unraked bunker is probably the most frustrating because it could have easily been prevented, and after I'm done venting I just play it like a big blast shot or even a fried egg lie sometimes. Like Fred said, stay down and make sure that you take enough sand. The worst thing that can happen is that you leave it in the bunker but at least have a good lie. If you skull it you are bringing lots of trouble into play. 

    Hope this helps!

  4. Chris Hatem

    Chris Hatem
    Boston

    Stay down through the ball for two extra milliseconds and you will hit it solid.  Just think: you don't have to watch it, it will end up near the green.  No peeking.

    Fairways and Greens,

    Chris

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